Automatic tuning system and apparatus



Aug.-8, 1939. A. A. COLLINS AUTOMATIC TUNING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Filed Feb. 1; 1937 4 sheets-sheet -1 .ATTORNE 3, 1939- A. A. COLLINS 2,168,326

' Auronnc TUNING SYSTEM AND Armw'rus Filed Fb. 1, 1957 4 Sheets-She t z ATTORNEY Aug. 8, 1939. A. A. COLLINS AUTOIATIC TUNING SYSTEI AND APPARATUS '4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 1, 1957 Illu A ATTORNEY g- 1 A. A. coLuiQs v 2, ,3

AUTOIATIC TUNING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS I Filed Feb. 1, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 ...8 l we 45 465 $.2 /3/ IN V EN TOR.

BY d n romkyj Patented Aug. 8, 1939 AUTOMATIC TUNING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Arthur A. Collins, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Application February 1, 1937, Serial No. 123,453

1': Claims. (01. 192-139);

,- My invention relates broadly to radio transmitting and receiving apparatus and moreparl ticularly to tuning apparatus and means for automatically changing the tuning in one or a plurality of circuits.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide'mechanically compact and efflcient means for actuating variable tuning devices and setting the same tuned toanyone of a plurality ofpredetermined frequencies.

Another object of my invention is to provid means for simultaneously and automatically adlusting the tuning devices in a plurality of circuits, regardless of the relative angular position .5 of the actuating shafts thereof, in corresponding tuned conditions. s

A further object of my invention is to provide readily adjustableselector devices for altering the several frequencies to which a circuit is adapted in to be tuned automatically by the apparatus of my invention.

Still another object of my invention is to provide means for automatically and simultaneously selecting in a plurality of tuning devices the par 23 ticular frequency to which the several devices will be automatically set, regardless of the relative angular position of the actuating shafts thereof at the selected frequency.

a A. still further object of my invention is to 30 provide a mechanical shaft positioning device having a plurality of stop rings adjustably disposed axially on the shaft, a selector stop arranged to engage one of. the stop rings and means 'for rotating the shaft until the stop is engaged 36 with the selected stop ring.

Still another object of my invention is to provide means for adjusting any one of a series of stop rings arranged on a shaft independently of the other stop rings, and locking means common 40 to all the stop rings for securing all of them in adjusted positions.

And another object of my invention isto provide friction clutch driving means for a shaft in combination with a series of stop rings and a 4B stop for positioning the shaft as determined 'by any one of the stop rings in coaction with the stop, while the driving means operates for a predetermined constant time interval.

Other and further objects of my invention re- "50 side in the apparatus and arrangements hereinafter more fully set forth, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure l is a side elevation view of the shaft positioning mechanism, with the casing therefor 55 broken away to show the stop rings and the adjustable stop; Fig. 2 is a front elevation of a panel arrangement showing a plurality of shaft positioning mechanisms mounted thereon and interconnected with an automatic setting device enclosed within the brokerrline and shown in detail in Fig. 8; Fig. 3 is a vertical longitudinal sectlonal view of the shaft positioning mechanism; Fig. 4 is a detailed horizontal sectional view thereof taken substantially on line ll in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view of the shaft positioning l0 mechanism on'line 5-5 in Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is another cross sectional view thereof on line 6-6. in Fig. 3, showing in end elevation the stop ring assembly of the shaft positioning mechanism; Fig. 7 is aview-similar to Fig. 6 showing the stop ring assembly in home position with the path clear for movementof the selector stop; Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a motor drive, relay and switch arrangement for automatically operating the shaft positioning mechanism infaccordance with a prearranged cycle; and Figs. 9 and 10 are detailed schematic diagrams of the cam switch of Fig. 8 in different phases of operation.

The principal object of this invention is'the automatic tuning of a radio transmitter or receiver having a plurality of tuning controls, so that it may operate on a number of predetez mined frequencies. I will describe the application of my invention specifically to a transmitter, although it is apparent that application to devices other than transmitters can be made. The problem of shifting the operating frequency of a transmitter is a very important one, especially on high frequencies, where the frequencies must. be changed from time to time during the day in 36 order to obtain satisfactory communication. It

. is also desirable to shift the frequency of the transmitter rapidly in order to handle tramc on more than one channel with a single transmitter. Up to the present time, transmitters have been 40 arranged for multi-frequency operation by providing separately tuned circuits for each frequency, and some formof switching means for selecting the desired set of tuned'circuits. This system has practical limitations because of the complexity of circuit connections and switching apparatus which must be used in a multi-stage transmitter operating on'more than two or three frequencies.

The arrangement of my invention overcomes 5 the practical difficulties inherent in previous systems, and, in addition, is compact and flexible in adjustment. .This arrangement consists essentially/ of a system of mechanical positioning mechanisms applied to the rotating shafts of the interconnected in such a way with suitable actuating means that a group of dialed energy impulses will act to position each of the tuning shafts to the desired angular position corresponding'to the correct adjustment for each frequency.

The angular position of each tuning shaft may be independently predetermined for ten or more independent tuning adjustments, and a like number of different frequencies may thus be selected by corresponding groups of-dialed impulses.-

Referring tothe drawings in more .detail, Figs.

1 and 3-! illustrate a positioning assembly.

adapted to be associated with each rotating tun-- ing element of a radio transmitter as indicated in Fig. 2. A drive shaft I is directly connected to the shaft of a tuning element such as a variable of lead screw I4, in a line parallel to drive shaft I.

condenser, not shown. As illustrated particularly in Fig. 3, there are mounted coaxi shaft a wheel gear 2, a clutch plate 3, a clutch spring 4, a collar I, a collar retainer 6, a stop ring cylinder I, a series of stop rings I'l, 8a, 8b, ilc-U. a series of stop ring spacers 9a, 9b,

.2c,--Ok, and a locking ring It. The stop ring cylinder I is fixed to the clutch plate i, preferably by screw threads, as shown, and this assembly is keyed or splined as at Ia to the drive shaft I so that it is free to move axially on the drive shaft, but is not free to rotate with respect to the drive shaft; Clutch spring 4 maintains pressure betwen theclutch plate 3 and the worm wheel gear 2, while the collar I and retainer 6, shown'more 'clearly in Fig. 6, provide a fixed abutment for the clutch spring 4. The worm wheel gear 2 engages a worm gear H mounted on a drive shaft 4!, so that the rotation of the worm gear is transmited by frictional engagement between the worm wheel gear 2 and clutch plate 3 to the shaft I.

. A stopcarriage I2 having a projecting stop I2a is freeto move on the guide It under action Lead screw I. is rotated by selector shaft it through the action of bevel. gears Ila and Ilb. Stop I 2a is shaped to'engag'e a projecting tooth on eachof the stop rings la, lb, 80,- selectively; the selector shaft II being rotated to bring the stop in the plane of the selected stop ring.

The angular position of the tooth on each stop ring is pre-set by loosening the locking ring Ill, screw-threaded on the cylinder I, and rotating the respective'stop rings. The stop ring spacersa, db, Qc.-ik, are keyed into the stop ring cy1in-' der 1,-as-by key Ia, so that manual rotation of a single step ring. when'the locking ring I is 1oosened, will not disturb the positions of adjacent stop. rings. Stop ring I! engages the homing stop It, as shown particularly in Fig. '1, at the initial vor home pomtion of drive shaft I, in which position stop He is free to move onguide IS without.

interference with the-teeth or stop rings 8a, 8b, 7

00,-, which are never set in the same angular positions and which therefore may block themovement of the stop I2a,. as is evident from Fig. 6. Knob IO and graduated or calibrated dial 20 are rigidly aflixed to drive shaft I and serve for manual rotation of the drive shaft, and

for indication of its angular P sition by reference 1 to-a dial indicator 2i. 1 .70

The mechanism just described is preferably assembled on a cast base 22, abase plate 2!, and

' a front plate 22, supported by posts 24a,2ld, in spaced relation with respect to base plate 25.

Shaftbearings are preferably of the anti-friction type, incorporating self lubricating dust seals,

ally on thisrotated by the operation of motor 22.

an extruded variable inductors, rotating switches, etc. and any desired number of positioning-mechanisms may be used, one for each adjustable tuning control. The worm drive shafts 49 of each positioning 10 mechanism are interconnected by suitable light shafting. 49a as shown; so that the wormdrive V shafts on all of the positioning mechanisms rotate in unison. The selector shafts I6 are likewise linked together by means of a separatesystemof shafting iia, so that rotation of this shaft system brings the stops I2a into the planes of corresponding stop rings simultaneously on all of the positioning mechanisms. Itis apparent that flexible shafting, or rigid shafting with a system of angular gears and universal couplings, may be used to allow each of the positioning mechanisms to be conveniently disposed with respect to its tuning control. Automatic means for actuating the shaft systems "a and Iia is indicated within the broken line box in Fig. 2 and fully shown schematically in Figs. 8, 9 and 10.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 8, the system of shafting associated with worm drive shaft so "is mechanically connected to reversible motor 26. .Also mechanically connected through suitable gearing to the worm drive shaft system and motor 26 is a cam 21, the lobes of which operate cam switch 28. The system of shafting associas ated with selector shafts I0 is mechanically-con-' nected to reversible motor 28. Also mechanically geared to the selector shaft system and motor 28 is positioning switch 30. An impulse dial switch it is shown in operative relation with aminor 0 switch 32 having working contacts 32a, "la-427, off-normal contact 22, operating" coil 33, and release coil 34. Fig. 8 also shows motor control relays 35, i6, 31 and 38; operation sequence relays 40. and 4|; and manual master control 4:! switch 42; the operations of which are hereinafter defined. f Selector shaft positioning switch It comprises two metallic segments 46, ll. separated by an insulating segment 41, mounted on a disk member A plurality of contact points 48a, IL-48 j, are arranged to make contact with segments 48, 46, 41, and proportions are such that insulating segment 41 can be in contact with only one contact point Ila, t5 IL-4|}, at any given position of the selector shaft system. The entire selector shaft system is such that contact with segments 45, 46, l1, and proportions are such that insulating segment 41 can be in contact with only one contact point so a, BIL-487', at any given position of the-selector shaft system. The entire selector shaft system is suchthat contact between insulating segment 41 and one of the'contact points a, lg-4M, corresponds to the position of selector as stop I20, with reference to one of the stop rings and rectifier 44, which may be connected to commercial power circuits through a transformer ll, 7

' through separate contacts is separately completed lead 5| and switch 7 aieaeac as indicated. it is understood that the rectifier.

44 is employed to obtain direct current for operation of the various relays, as their design may be simplified by the use of direct current. single source of electrical energy, such as a low voltage battery, may be used for both the motors and the relays.

One terminal of operating coil 33 is connected directly to rectifier 44; and the'circuit is completed through dial switch 3| and lead 52 back to the rectifier 48. The release coil 35 is connected through lead 5| and switch 42 to one side of the rectifier 44; and the circuit is completed through the upper terminals of sequence relays 39 and 4| and lead 52 back to the rectifier 44.

Motor control relay 35 is connected through switch 42 to one side of the rectifier 44; and the circuit is completed through .the intermediate contacts of sequence relay 48, lead 53, the upper contacts of sequence. relay 4|, and lead 52back to the rectifier 44. Motor control relay 38 is con-'- nected through the lower contacts of sequence relay 39 and switch 42 to one side of the rectifier 4t; and the circuit is completed through the cam switch as, lead 53, the upper contacts of sequence relay 4|, and lead 52 back to the rectifier 44.

Another circuit for relay 36 may. be completed in manual switch 42, ,the lower contacts of sequence relay 40, lead 53, and relay 4|, as above, back to rectifier 44.

Motor control relays 31 and 38 are connected with one side of the rectifier 44 through lead 54, cam switch 28, lead 53, 4|, and lead 52. A circuit to relay 31 or relay 38 through segmental contact 45 or 48, respectively, any one of contacts 48a-481' and the corresponding one of contacts fla -327', the contact arm of minor switch .32, lead 5| and switch 42, back to Sequence control relay 39 is connected through lead 5|, and switch 42 to one side of the rectifier 44; and the circuit is completed through cam switch 28, auxiliary contacts on motor control relay 35, lead 53, sequence'control relay 4|, and lead 52 back to rectifier 44. Another circuit for relay 39 may be completed through separate contacts in manual switch 42, thence to relay 35 and back to the rectifier 44, as above.

Sequence control relay 40 is connected through 42 to one side of the rectifier 44; and-the circuit is completed through auxiliary contacts on motor control relays 38 and 31, lead 54, earn switch 28 and lead 53, sequence relay 4|, and lead 52 back to the rectifier 44. A self-maintained shunt circuit for relay 40 is provided through the auxiliary contacts on relays 38 and 31, the upper contacts on relay 53, relay 4| and lead 52, as above, back to the rectifier '44.

Sequence control relay 4| is connected through lead 5| and switch 42 to one side of the rectifier 44; and the circuit is completed through the oilnormal contacts 32' of.minor switch 32, and lead 52 back to the rectifier 44.

Reversible motor 28 is connected directly with one side of source 43; and the circuit is completed for forward or reverse operation through separate contacts on motor control relay 35, and series contacts, on motor control relay 38 back to the source 43. Reversible motor 29 is connected directiy to one side of the source 43; and the circuit is completed for forward operation through relay 31, or for reverse operation through relay 38, back to the source 43. a

The sequence of operation of the system is as position with respect to sequence control relay the rectifier 44;

40 itself, and lead follows:- Assuming that the stop ringson each of the positioning mechanisms have been fixed in accordance with manual adjustment for each frequencydesired, and that the transmitter is in operation on the frequency corresponding to stop rings 80.. The cam -21 will be in operating the switch actuating member-contacts the raised cam lobe 21a, and the lower switch contacts are closed, as in Fig. 8. To

facilitate description, I will hereinafter refer to the cam switch 28 as having a single pole, double throw, (SPDT) portion, and a single pole, single throw, (SPST) portion. In the operating position of the switch 28 therefore, the SPDT portion has the lower contacts closed, and the SPST portion is closed.

To effect a different frequency adjustment, the operator dials, say number 5 corresponding to another frequency of operation, produces, by impulses. Eachimpulse moves the contact arm on minor switch'32 one step, through the action of operating coil 33, so that the contact arm reaches the fifth-contact 328, as shown by dotted line in Fig. 8. This action also closes the onnormal contact 32' of the minor switch 32. Now assuming manual switch 42 in its lower position operating the upper set of contacts, then 'se-- quence relay 4|- is energized through conductors 5| and 52, and the upper two of the contacts thereof complete a circuit to conductor 53 to operate worm drive shaft motor switch relay 38 through the lower contacts of the SPDT portion of switch 28, and the lower contacts of relay 39 which are normally closed. Operation of switch relay 36 applies power to motor 28 through the normally closed lower contactsof motor control relay 35, andthe motor operates to rotate the worm drive shaft system 49a and cam 21 in a reverse direction so as to bring all of the stop rings i1 against home stops I8. During this interval the cam switch actuating member rides on the running portion 21b. of the cam 21.; and the SPDT portion of switch 28 will have thelower contacts closed but the SPST portion will have been opened. This condition of the cam and cam switch is illustrated in Fig. 9.

It is to be noted, that drive shafts i of each of 'the positioning mechanisms will rotate through various angles before reaching home position, depending upon their previous-set positions, but in no case will any, of the drive shafts be required to rotate through more than, say

the cam switch 28; that is,

which means of the impulse device 3|, five- |80. The clutch arrangements 'on each ofthe drive shaft assemblies prevents interference with the rotation of any of the positioning mechanisms by reason of limitations in any one of home position. This portion of the. cam 21,

consists of a depression 210, and upon being engaged with the cam switch actuating member causes the upper contacts of the SPDT portion of the cam switch to close, the SPS'I' portion it operates the cam switch 30', and minor switch 32, and through relay 40, to conductor of relay 35,

If the minor switch 32 is set on the fifth con- 1 tact 32, as supposed, current can only flow from conductor 5i through the fifth contact point 43c on selector switch 30. If a circuit is completed through contact 48c, segment, and motor control relay 31, the selector shaft motor 23 is caused to rotate in such a direction that insulating segment 4'! moves toward contact-48c. When insulating segment 4'! touches contact 48c, the circuit through relay 3'! is broken, and the motor 23 and selector shafts I5 cease rotating with the stops l2a positioned opposite stop rings 8e. If, due to mechanical inertia, insulating-segment 41 is carried past contact point 43c, or should the segment 41 have been originally beyond the contact 43c, say at contact 431i, then a circuit is completed including contact 43c, segment 46, and motor control relay '33, causing motor 29-to rotate in the opposite direction until insulating segment 41 meets contactv 48c.

The auxiliary contacts on relays 31 and 33 are connected in series with the operating coil of sequence relay 40, which relay is designed to operate only after itQhas been energized for a predetermined time interval, which may be a fraction of a second. Thus, after the insulating segment 4'! of selector switch has.interrupted the connection to the fifth contact 48e. for this predetermined interval, during which neither relay 3'! or 38 will be operated and the mechanical system associated with the selector shafting will have come to rest, sequence relay 40 will operate. The upper group of contacts of relay 40 upon being closed provide a separate circuit for energizing the coil of relay 40 from conductors BI and 53, and the relay 40 thus will remain operative after conductor 54 becomes disconnected from conductor 53 and the power supply by operation of the SPDT portion of cam switch 23.

The lower two groups of contacts of sequence relay 40 complete circuits from conductor. 53 to energize relays 35 and 36 separately, which apply power to motor 26 for running it in a forward" direction, as determined by the upper contacts for a period corresponding .to approximately 200 rotation of any drive shaft I, as aforesaid during which interval, cam 21 is rotating in a forward direction in a corresponding amount. During this cam switch actuating member again rides on the running 'portion 21b of the cam 21, and eventually meets the raised cam lobe 21a inthe operating" portion of the cam which actuates cam switch 23 so that the SPST portion is closed, the

SPDT portion being conditioned; with the lower contacts closed,.for future operations.

of the SPST portion of the cam switch, in series Operation with the closed auxiliary contacts of relay 35, which remain closed because relay 40 remains energized, completes a circuit which operates relay 39 for closing contacts which momentarily operate to energize releasecoil 34 of the minor switch 32, and remove power from the entire system; Relays 4|, 40, 39 and 33, when once energized at their respective points in the cycle, remain operative until action of the minor switch release coil 34 has restored the minor switch and they abut the stops,

operated to send a forward" movement of the cam, the

opened theoif-normal contact 32', thus removing power from the entire sequence relay circuit. when this has taken place, no further action of either motor can occur until-the minor switch is again actuated.

The sequence relay 4| has auxiliary contacts at which remove self at the beginning of the automatic tuning cycle and re-apply power to the transmitter at the completion of the. tuning cycle.

Manual switch allows the minor switch to be set up, but prevents further operation. when in the lower po: sition, operating the upper set of contacts, normal operation is obtained, as hereinbefore described. When in the upper position, operating the lower set of contacts, the cycle takes placeup to the energization of relay 3! through the middle contacts of relay 40, which closes the auxiliary contacts on relay II. A circuit is thereby completed through relay 33 by way, of 'the lowermost contacts of switch 42 and all power is removed from the system. The stop rings 3a, 315-31, are thus left in home" position, but the stops are in the position corresponding to the, number dialed. This part-cycle operation is employed when ad- Justing the stop rings after tuning the transpower from-the transmitter it-' 42 when in center position tion of the stops being manually rotated until with the instrument. shafts in adjusted positions for one desired frequency. This operation may then be successivey repeated for. adjustment of th other stop rings fordiffer- .ent frequencies. Y The full cycle of operation of the automatic positioning device may be described less specifically as follows: An impulse transmitter of the kind commonly used for dial telephone circuits is series of impulses to a system of control relays. The control ,relays influence the operation of two'motors so) that: first, the tuning control shafts of the transmitterare rotated ina -reverse" direction and returned to home position; second, the stops on all of'the positioning mechanisms are moved into the planes 'of the stop rings, adjusted for the desired frequency; third the tuning shafts are rotated in a seconds or less.

. It is to be understood that many modifications can be made in the apparatus without departing from the plan of my invention. For example,'

the stops engaging the stop rings can be moved by, means of a rack and pinion instead of by means of a lead screw as described heretofore: or the stops can be moved into position by means of a solenoid, ratchet and pawl actuated by the dial impulses. A further possible modification of my system is to place the slip clutch on the worm drive shaft rather than on the instrument shaft.

Another modification is to utilize a multi-point manual switch in place of a minor switch. Another possible modification is the use of separate magnetic latches actuated selectively to engage the stop rings in place of a single mechanical stop moved from the plane of one stop ring to that of another; A further modification of my invention involves the use of a single motor instead of two with a selective transmission, so

that the single motor actuates the worm drive shaft system and the selector shaft system alter- 'nately. However, as the power requirements of the motors is small, it is more convenient to employ two motors-as described above than to use a single motor with selective transmission. The specific embodiment I have disclosed has practical merit, but modifications may be made therein as indicated above, and I intend no limitations upon my invention except as are imposed by the scopepf the appended claims. What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letter Patent of the United States is as follows: I. Shaft positioning mechanism comprising a series of stop rings having projecting lugs adjustably mounted .with'respect to the shaft, a stop movable on a line parallel to the axis of the shaft adjusted for coaction with the projecting lug on a selected one of said stop rings, and means for rotating the shaft in one direction to a position wherein all of said projecting lugs have been rotated beyond the line on which said movable stop is adjusted to selected position and for rotating the shaft in the opposite direction to bring the lug on the selected OIlQ'Of said stop rings into contact with the stop.

2. In a mechanical shaft positioning system, a

plurality of shafts, an assembly comprising aseries of stop rings variably disposed axially on each of said shafts, a stop movable parallel to the axes of the shaft in each assembly, means for simultaneously moving all said stops to like selected positions for engagement respectively with one of the corresponding series of stop rings, mechanical transmission means interconnecting said shafts, and means interposed between said transmission means and each of said shafts and so constructed and arranged that various degrees of rotation may be effected in said shafts for a predetermined maximum rotation of said transmission means.

3. A mechanical shaft positioning system comprising a series of stop ,rings'disposed axially on the shaft, a stop, and means for moving said step parallel to the axis of the shaft including a motor and transmission means connected with said stop,-

and switch means electrically connected with said motor and actuated by said transmission means,

for automatically setting said stop for coaction witha predetermined stop ring of said series.

4. A mechanical shaft positioning system as set forth in claim 3 and wherein said switch'means comprise a series of fixed contacts and a pair of movable segmental contacts separated by a segment of insulation adapted to embrace any one of said fixed contacts, said segmental contacts being connected with the motor and operative through contact with a selected one of said fixed contacts to control the direction of movement of said motor and, therefore, of said stop.

5. In a shaft positioning system, an assembly comprising a series of stop rings disposed axially on the shaft, a movable stop adapted for coaction with a selected one of said stop rings, motor means for setting said stop in alignment with the selected stop ring, motor means for rotating said shaft to bring the selected stop ring into contact with the stop, and automatic control means connected with said motor means and operative in a predetermined sequence for actuating said motor means' to establish the shaft in the desired position, i

6. In a shafting positioning mechanism, a drive wheel rotatably mounted on the shaft and provided with a clutch facing, a clutchplate slidably and non-rotatably mounted on the shaft adjacent the clutch face of said drive wheel, a coil spring concentric with respect to said shaft, a collar fixedly mounted on said shaft with said coil spring compressed between said collar and said clutch plate, a plurality of stop rings adjustably mounted with respect. to said shaft in connection with said clutch plate and concentric-with said coil spring, and a movablest'op adapted for 00-.

action with a selected one of said stop rings.

7. In a shaft positioning mechanism, a drive wheel rotatably mounted on the shaft and provided with a clutch facing, a clutch plate slidably and non-rotatably mounted on the shaft adjacent the clutch face of said drive wheel, a coil spring concentric with respect to said shaft, a collarfixedly mounted on said shaft with said coil spring compressed between said collar and said clutch plate, a cylindrical member fixed to said clutch plate concentric with said coil spring,

said stop rings and said ring spacers, and a movable stop adapted for coaction with a selected one of said stop rings. r v

8. In a shaft positioning mechanism, a drive wheel rotatably mounted on the shaft and provided with a clutch facing, a cylindrical sleeve member provided with a coacting clutch facing at one end thereof and slidably and non-rotatably mounted on the shaft and coaxial therewith, spring meansmounted within said sleeve member and concentric with said shaft for maintaining said clutch facings in engagement, a plurality of stop rings adjustably mounted on said sleeve member, and a movable stop adapted for coaction with a selected one of said stop rings,

9. Shaft positioning mechanism comprising a series of stop ringshaving projecting lugs adjustably mounted with respect to the shaft, a movable stop movable on a line parallel to the axis of the shaft adapted for coaction with the projecting lug on a selected one of said stop rings, and a fixed stop adapted for coaction with the projecting lug on an end one of said series of stop rings, the fixed stop being provided to establish a home? position for said shaft wherein all of said projecting lugs have been rotated beyond the line on which said movable stop is adjusted to selected position, said movable stop being adapted to establish the shaft in desired position in accordance with the arrangement of the projecting lug on the coacting stopring.

10. In a shaft positioning system, a plurality of stop means adjustably mounted on the shaft and a movable stop adapted for coaction with a selected one of said ,stop means, means for separately rotating said shaft and moving said stop, and an automatic electrical control system including a cam and switch device for operating said shaft and said stop in a predetermined sequence of operations to establish the shaft in a home" position, move said stop to a predetermined selected position and'advance said shaft to desired operating position.

11. In a'shaft positioning system, a plurality of stop means adjustably mounted on the shaft and switch device for operating said, shaft and said stopin a predetermined sequence of operations to establish the shaft in a home positionshaft in a home" position, a cam and cam switch and move 'said stop to a predetermined selected position for adjustment of the corresponding stop means.

12. In a shaft positioning system, a plurality of stop means adjustably mounted on the shaft and a movable stop adapted for coaction with a selected one of said stop means, means for separately rotating said shaft and moving said stop, an automatic electrical control system including a cam and switch device for operating said shaft and said stop in a" predetermined sequence of operations to establish the shaft in desired position, and a manually operative switch device connected-in said automatic control system and operative for limiting the sequence'of operations to establish the shaft in a home position and move said stop to a predetermined selected position for adjustment of the corresponding stop means, subsequent operation of the entire predetermined sequence of operations for the same position of said stop being effective to establish the shaft in the position determined by the adjusted stop means.

13. A shaft positioning system comprising adjusted stop means for said shaft, a movable coacting stop, means for separately rotating said shaft and moving said stop, and an automatic control system for actuating the last said means comprising a dial impulse switch in combination with a minor switch having off-normal contacts for initiating operation of said control system, a sourceof power connected with a portion of said control system through said off-normal contacts, said portion of the system being operative to establish the shaft in a home position, a cam and cam switch device actuated with the shaft and operative with the shaft in home" position to dedeener'gize said portion and to supply power from said source to a second portion of said control system which includes means operative in combination with said minor switch to establish said movable 'stop in a selected position as determined by the operation of said dial impulse switch, a delay relay device connected with the last said means and operative after a time period subsequent to the establishment of said stop in selected position to supply power from said 'source' to a third portion of said control system and simultaneously through a shunt circuit to the said relay device, the third portion of said system including means for establishing the shaft in desired position as determined by said stop means and the selected position of said coacting stop, said cam and cam switch device being operative with the shaft in desired position to deenergize' said second portion and to supply power to' a fourth portion of said control system which includes means operative to disconnect'sald source of power from the control system.

14. In a shaft positioning system including adjustable stop elements for said shaft, and a movable coactingstop, means for facilitating adjustment of said stop elements with respect to-diiferent positions of said stop comprising a dial impulse switch in combination with a minor switch having off-normal contacts, a source of power connected through said off-normal contacts with a portion of said means operative to establish the device actuated with the shaft in home position to deenergize said portion and to supply power from said-source to a second portion of said means which includes means operative in combination with said minor switch to establish said movable stop in a selected position as determined by the operation of said dial impuiseswitch,

a delay relay device connected with the lastsaid' means and operative after a time period subsequent to the establishment of said stop in selected position to supply power from said source to a third portion of the first said means, said third portion including means operative in combination with said cam and camswitchdevice with theshaft in home position to supply power to 'a fourth portion of the first said means operative to disconnect said source of power, the stop element corresponding to the selected position of said stop thereafter being manually adjusted to abut said stop with the shaft in a desired position.

15. In an automatic shaft positioning system, means for controlling the automatic operation of said system including a cam device comprising a disk having a body portion of a certain constant radius, a lobe portion of a larger constant radius,

and a portion of a smaller constant radius a'djacent said lobe portion, and a cam switch having a pilot member actuated by said cam; said cam switch having a single pole, double throw,

portion, and a single pole, single throw portion adapted for simultaneous action with one side of the single pole, double throw portion \with said pilot member in contact with the lobe portionof larger radius on said cam.

16. In an automatic shaft positioning'system, means for controlling the automatic operation of said system including a cam device comprising a disk having a principal operating portion of constant radius of substantially 200 of the cir-. cumference of the disk, and a raised lobe portion and a depressed portion at opposite ends of the aforesaid portion, reversible drive means connected with said shaft and said cam, and a cam switch actuated by said cam, said shaft and said cam being connected with said drivemeans with such ratio of movement that said shaft rotates substantially through its range of rotation for a corresponding movement of said cam through the said 200 portion thereof, said cam switch being adapted to control said drive means upon actuation by either the raised lobe portion or the depressed portion of said cam pursuant to operation of said cam and said shaft in either direction of movement.

1'7. In a shaft positioning system, a plurality of shafts, and individual positioning mechanisms thereforeinterconnected and actuated from drive means, each of said mechanisms including a slip clutch drive for said shafts and a selector drive connected with a selector stop, and means for automatically operating said drive means with respect to said clutch drive and said selector drive in a predetermined sequence of operations to es- ARTHUR A. comma. 

